In most cases, parents notice the symptoms of an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) when the child is about two years old. But mild symptoms of ASD may go undetected until adulthood.
Diagnosing ASD in children
Screening
If you are worried about your child's development, visit your GP. Your GP may use a brief screening test, such as the checklist for autism in toddlers (CHAT).
CHAT consists of a series of questions, such as:
- does your child take an interest in other children?
- does your child ever pretend, for example, to make a cup of tea using a toy cup and teapot, or pretend other things? and
- does your child ever bring objects to show you?
Your GP may also carry out a series of exercises with your child, such as asking them to point out certain objects, or asking them to engage in imaginative play, such as pretending to make a cup of tea with a toy teapot.
Assessment
If the results of the CHAT screening suggest that your child may have an ASD, you will be referred to a health professional who specialises in diagnosing ASD. They will make a more in-depth assessment.
This health professional may be:
- a psychologist: a health professional with training in psychology,
- a psychiatrist: a doctor with special training in psychology, or
- a paediatrician: a doctor who specialises in treating children.
Some primary care trusts (PCT) now use multidisciplinary teams. These are made up of a combination of the professionals mentioned above, who work together to make an assessment.
Assessment for ASD is a rigorous process that involves a number of quite detailed steps, which are explained below.
- Any existing information about your child's development, health and behaviour will be sought from relevant agencies, such as your GP, nursery or school staff.
- You will be asked to attend a series of interviews so that a detailed family history and the history of your child's development can be drawn up.
- Your child will be asked to attend a series of appointments so that specific skills and activities can be observed and assessed. This is known as a focused observation. Focus observation looks at language, behaviour, the pattern of your child's thinking (known as their cognitive ability) and how they interact with others.
- A detailed physical examination will be carried out, along with a series of tests, such as testing your child's blood for genetic conditions that are known to cause ASD.
Once this process is complete, a diagnosis of ASD can usually be confirmed (or ruled out). It should be possible to assess the severity of your child's symptoms.
After diagnosis
Parents can react in different ways when ASD has been confirmed. Some parents feel relieved because they now understand the reasons behind their child's puzzling behaviour and can begin to treat them.
Other parents feel an immense sense of shock and disbelief, as they are naturally worried about what the diagnosis means for their child's future.
A diagnosis of ASD is not a label that your child will be stuck with for the rest of their lives. Rather, the diagnosis offers an insight into your child's individuality and personality. In turn, it gives you a chance to guide their development and growth.
On receiving a diagnosis of ASD, many parents are keen to find out as much as they can about the condition. The National Autistic Society (NAS) provides an excellent range of resources and advice on its website.
Diagnosis of ASD in adults
Some people with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) will grow up without their condition being recognised. But it's never too late to get a diagnosis. Some may be scared of being diagnosed because they feel it will 'label' them and lower other people's expectations of them. But there are a number of advantages.
Getting a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome or another condition on the autistic spectrum will help people with the condition, and their families, to understand what's wrong with them and decide what sort of support they need.
A diagnosis also means that the person will be classed as having a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act. This means that their employer (if they work) must make ;reasonable adjustments' for them in the workplace, such as providing clear written instructions.
Once diagnosed, adults may be able to access autism-specific services, such as supported living services and social groups, if these are available in their area. Services for adults are listed on the Autism Services Directory.
If you think you may have a condition on the autistic spectrum, visit your GP and explain why. Ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. Read tips on how to present your case in Diagnosis: the process for adults on the National Autistic Society (NAS) website.
If you're already seeing a specialist for other reasons, you may want to ask them for a referral instead. Note that some PCTs do not provide NHS funding for diagnosing ASD in adults.
